Sumter County, Alabama, was created on 1832 Dec. 18, from former Choctaw Indian territory. It was named for Gen. Thomas Sumter of South Carolina. The county is located in the west-central part of the state, bordering the State of Mississippi to the west and the Tombigbee River to the east. Sumter County encompasses 907 square miles.

The county seat was established at Livingston in 1833. The Livingston State Normal School was established in 1883. Livingston is now the home of the University of West Alabama. Other towns in Sumter County include York, Cuba and Bellamy.